Monday, April 06, 2009
Props to BMC!
Colon Cancer screening for those at risk, but not covered by insurance, actually pays off in the end (pardon the pun). It is cheaper for health plans public and private to catch it early and identify those at high risk, so good job BMC:
Seeking to increase the number of people who get the potentially life-saving procedure, Berkshire Medical Center recently gave free colonoscopies to patients who otherwise couldn't afford the test.Go to C3's website (Colorectal Cancer Coalition) and sign the petition to pass HR 1189 which would create such a program nationwide. ¶ 10:28 PM
Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in Massachusetts and the nation, yet studies show that only half of those who should be screened by a colonoscopy actually undergo the exam. Experts say this low participation rate can be blamed on a number of factors — patient reluctance or ignorance, lack of access to medical care and, significantly, the cost of the procedure itself.
So BMC and eight other hospitals in Massachusetts provided free screenings to pre-qualified patients on March 21.
